Some Seriously Innovative Robots from Boston Dynamics
Posted by Science Oxford on May 11, 2010 | comments
One of my colleagues stumbled across Boston Dynamics, and we felt we had to share them with you. They have developed quite a collection of impressive robots, and have some great videos to demonstrate their capabilities. All their robots have remarkable abilities in: mobility, agility, dexterity and speed.
Check out our personal favourites below and head over to their website for the full lowdown.
PETMAN
“PETMAN is an anthropomorphic robot for testing chemical protection clothing used by the US Army. Unlike previous suit testers, which had to be supported mechanically and had a limited repertoire of motion, PETMAN will balance itself and move freely; walking, crawling and doing a variety of suit-stressing calisthenics during exposure to chemical warfare agents. PETMAN will also simulate human physiology within the protective suit by controlling temperature, humidity and sweating when necessary, all to provide realistic test conditions.”
Find out more about PETMAN here.
RiSE: The Amazing Climbing Robot.
“RiSE is a robot that climbs vertical terrain such as walls, trees and fences. RiSE uses feet with micro-claws to climb on textured surfaces. RiSE changes posture to conform to the curvature of the climbing surface and its tail helps RiSE balance on steep ascents.”
Find out more about RiSE here.
BigDog: The Most Advanced Rough-Terrain Robot on Earth
“BigDog is the alpha male of the Boston Dynamics robots. It is a rough-terrain robot that walks, runs, climbs and carries heavy loads. BigDog is powered by an engine that drives a hydraulic actuation system. BigDog has four legs that are articulated like an animal’s, with compliant elements to absorb shock and recycle energy from one step to the next. BigDog is the size of a large dog or small mule; about 3 feet long, 2.5 feet tall and weighs 240 lbs.”
Find out more about BigDog here.
Visit the Boston Dynamics website here.
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25
May
Love BigDog. That is a seriously cool and amazing robot. But it kind of freaks me out the way it moves.
Watch the overview video to see more. I could not believe the way it moved and stayed up, on ice, when kicked hard by a tester.
The future is going to be a very strange world.